LUCEDALE -- Want a homemade desert to serve this Easter Sunday? The Cardiopulmonary Department at George Regional Hospital is having a bake sale on Friday beginning at 9 a.m. in the Outpatient Lobby area. All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association.

George Regional Health System Sponsors First Ever County Heart Walk

LUCEDALE -- Employees at George Regional Health System have long participated in the annual American Heart Association Heart Walk in Jackson County, but this year, the system has undertaken the challenge of sponsoring a heart walk here in our own county. According to the American Heart Association, almost 36 percent of all George County deaths are heart disease and stroke related.

The Easter-themed Heart Walk is set for Saturday and includes many free family-friendly activities. The walk begins at 8:30 a.m. (registration begins at 7:15 a.m.) on the hospital's campus with a 5K Fun Run through the city of Lucedale.

"We are very pleased to host this event for our community. Heart disease affects many lives in our county. This is a good way to bring people together to increase recognition of heart disease and the heart care services our hospital offers," explains Paul Gardner, George Regional Health System CEO.

All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association. "We are so proud of our compassionate Heart Walk team at George Regional Health System and the wonderful efforts they are making for the benefit of the American Heart Association's Heart Walk," says Kathy Aycock, Regional Director for the American Heart Association.

While recognizing a serious issue, the event also promises to be a fun, family-friendly day. The Easter bunny will be available for photos and at 10 a.m. there will be an Easter egg hunt with prizes galore. The event also features face painting, balloon art, refreshments, door prizes, and heart health booths. The Easter egg hunt and children's activities are free.

Participants may also register the day of the race for $20, but will not receive a shirt.

Registration forms can be found at the Wellness Center, 838 Mill Street, and at www.GeorgeRegional.com. Participants can also register online at www.eventbrite.com. For questions, contact Stephanie Chisholm at 601-947-0709 or schisholm@georgeregional.com.

St. Charles Masonic Lodge schedules an Easter egg hunt

MOSS POINT -- St. Charles Masonic Lodge #130 of Moss Point presents its eighth Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday at 11 a.m. The hunt will take place on the lodge grounds at 4308 Elder St. directly behind Robinson's Funeral Home. The hunt is open to children up to 12 years of age. Any questions please contact Sebastian Nettles at 228-627-1103.

Successful Citrus Growing along the Gulf Coast

MOSS POINT -- Citrus is not a native species but it is the host plant for the Giant Swallow Tail Butterfly and it has the ability to attract tons of honey bees to your backyard. Predatory wasps also feed on its "pest." Healthy citrus trees can produce quality fruit for you and your family and they look great tucked within your native landscape. The sweet smell of its flowers are a sure sign that Spring is here.

There will be a session on how to grow Citrus successfully along the Gulf Coast on Saturday, at 10 a.m. If you haven't planted any citrus in your yard yet, or if you want to learn how to maintain your trees for optimal fruit production come on down. We will be discussing fertilizing, cold protection, planting and everything in between. Pascagoula River Audubon Center is located at 7001 Frank Griffin Road, Moss Point.

Special Needs Egg Hunt

BILOXI - On Saturday there will be a free Easter egg hunt open to all individuals with disabilities beginning at 9 a.m. at Biloxi Town Green, 710 Beach Boulevard. Parents/guardians encouraged to attend. For details call 228-388-7170, email programs@biloxi.ms.us or visit website www.biloxi.ms.us/pr.

Challenger Special Needs Baseball

BILOXI - On Saturday there will be Challenger Baseball for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., the free event is located at Biloxi Sports Complex, 765 Wells Drive. For information call 228-388-7170, email cbell@biloxi.ms.us or visit website www.biloxi.ms.us/pr.

East Central Library hosts Kids Camp

HURLEY -- Students are invited to attend the free "Ready-Set-Go" day camp at the East Central Public Library on Monday starting at 8:30 a.m.. Kids can participate in hands-on science, engineering, and technology with Legos and robotics presented by Evelyn DeAngelo with the MSU Extension Service.Bring your own sack lunch and drink. Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the East Central Library. Space is limited to the first 12 students - sign up by calling 228-588-6263.

MSU to hold pesticide applicator certification training

There will be two private applicator certification training sessions held on Tuesday in Jackson County by Mississippi State University. The first session is at noon in the Gautier Convention Center and the second session is at 6 p.m. at the East Central Community Center in Hurley. Training is $10 (cash, check or money order payable to M.S.U.C.M.R.E.C.) Contact Angie Rogers at 228-769-3047 for details. Deadline to register is Thursday by 5 p.m. Pesticide applicator certification is a legal requirement for persons using restricted-use of pesticides in any situation.

Biloxi Farmers Market 2013 Grand Opening

BILOXI - The Farmers Market will open on Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located under the I-110 overpass on Howard Ave. For more information call 228-388-7170, email cbell@biloxi.ms.us or visit website at www.biloxi.ms.us/pr.